Research
Research
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Research conducted by the Language and Cognition Lab focuses on two main areas:
Language and its relation to other domains of function. This research includes different language (e.g., pragmatic), cognitive (e.g., executive function), and social cognitive (e.g., interpersonal problem solving, theory of mind) functions and involves a diverse population of individuals with typical and atypical development across the lifespan. An important goal of our research is to investigate the unique contribution of each domain, as well as the interactions among them, in shaping social and psychological functioning in children, adolescents, and adults with both typical and atypical development (e.g., social anxiety, language disorders, autism).
Experiential learning in students and community-based projects, which are driven by the community organization's goals and incorporate inclusive participatory design, lived experience, and community expertise.
Current Research:
Funded by a Trent University Research Development Grant (Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada; SSHRC).
The main goal of this study is to examine experiential learning in a community setting designed to offer social and recreational activities for Autistic adults and their caregivers (Autism Home Base). We are interested in understanding student learning as well as the experiences of staff and Autistic adult members (and/or their caregivers) after the placement course is over.
Primary Investigator: Dr. Nancie Im-Bolter
What's cooking? Social inclusion and engagement in Autistic adults
Funded by the Ontario Trillium Foundation to Autism Home Base (Community Partner).
This study explores Autistic adults' views regarding social inclusion after participating in a culinary program that takes place in a community setting designed to offer social and recreational activities for Autistic adults and their caregivers (Autism Home Base). We will also examine the experiences of caregiver members and staff/volunteers involved in the program. Data will be collected over 3 years, each time the culinary program is offered (September, January, and April).
Primary Investigator: Dr. Nancie Im-Bolter
Social cognition in adolescents and young adults
Funded by a Trent University Research Development Grant (SSHRC).
The main goal of this project is to investigate cognitive, language, and affective factors associated with social cognition in late adolescence and early adulthood. Social cognition is broadly defined as the combination of cognitive processes that individuals use when interacting with others in the social domain. Social cognitive skills typically include interpersonal problem solving, social perspective taking, and emotion identification
Primary Investigator: Dr. Nancie Im-Bolter
Development of the Test of Higher Order Language
Funded by an Insight Grant (SSHRC).
The main objective of this research is to develop, refine, and pilot test-items for a test of higher order (or nonliteral) language. The long-term goal of this project is to create a modem, standardized, and developmentally sensitive test of higher order language that can be administered in both computerized and paper-based formats and used as a large scale community screening tool. The test will reliably assess the early markers of higher order language comprehension and be used from preschool to adolescence. As a result, this measure should be an important tool for clinicians and researchers in developmental psychology and psychopathology, education, and neuropsychology.
Test of Higher Order Language - Home
Primary Investigator: Dr. Esther Geva, OISE/UT
Co-Applicant: Dr. Nancie Im-Bolter.
Collaborator: Dr. Fataneh Farnia, OISE/UT
Number without Language? Developmental pathways among language, numeracy, and executive function
Funded by an Insight Grant (SSHRC)
This is a large scale project that examines the longitudinal associations among oral language, numeracy, and executive function in preschoolers starting at 3.0 years of age. We followed preschoolers from over a dozen daycares until they were 7 and 8 years of age. This knowledge will help identify the skills and processes that are critical for language and math success, which will support improved educational assessment and intervention of children at risk for, or already experiencing, language or math difficulties.
Primary Investigator: Dr. Nancie Im-Bolter
Co-Applicants: Dr. Alba Agostino, Trent University Durham GTA; Dr. Cathy Bruce, Trent University; Dr. Fataneh Farnia, OISE/UT; Dr. Brenda Smith-Chant, Trent University Durham GTA.
Language, executive function, and social cognition in children with epilepsy
Funded by an Insight Grant (SSHRC)
Trent Epilepsy Research - Home
Primary Investigator: Dr. Nancie Im-Bolter.
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